Tropical trees have a shocking superpower: surviving lightning strikes. Dipteryx oleifera trees benefit from being zapped with electricity, with minimal damage and even a boost in growth after neighboring competitors are eliminated. Research led by Evan Gora discovered this rare ability, providing crucial insights into the lightning tolerance of trees. Dipteryx oleifera could be specially adapted to attract lightning, with their unique height and wide crowns possibly making them 68% more likely to be struck. Lightning strikes play a significant role in shaping forests, impacting biodiversity and carbon storage. Lightning-tolerant trees like Dipteryx oleifera may have a competitive edge in the changing climate.
https://www.caryinstitute.org/news-insights/press-release/getting-hit-lightning-good-some-tropical-trees